An elf came running into the room where Caitlin lay. "I have a message from
lady Galandriel, the human is to be taken to the mirror, she is there
waiting."
Caitlin was slipping in and out of consciousness, her body shivered; she couldn't feel her fingers, or her feet. But she felt arms around her as she was being taken down the winding staircase, across the grass and through some corridors, until she couldn't see anymore of the room that she had been in, down some stairs, where the mirror was. Her eyes opened and she saw she was in the grotto with the mirror; a light shone a white glittering brightness on her face. The light moved and she knew it was Galadriel stood there, beautiful and wise, dressed in white just as she would when she and Frodo would meet at the same spot.
She tried to move, she was lying on the grass, on her side. Galadriel came toward her, kneeling next to her. She passed her hand over Caitlin's body, and whispered in an old elfish language.
Legolas stood nearby, watching with great anticipation. His concern for his companion and friend, was overwhelming. The worst part was the unknown, not knowing if she could be helped or not. Galadriel turned and revealed from her pocket a vile of green liquid. "I am sorry I wish I had seen you sooner, before you became sick." She knelt down on he knees and helped Caitlin lift herself up to a sitting position. "I know you can understand my words." She said. Caitlin nodded in conformation that she could understand.
"Do you know why you are sick?" asked Galadriel. Caitlin shook her head, her fingers still trembling. "You are from another place, another time, and your body like your mind has difficulty adjusting to such a complete difference in atmosphere and culture. Your body has no immunity to diseases from middle earth, and it has never tasted any food that we have." She held the vile up so Caitlin could see it better. "This will acclimate your body to the food, and disease you are suffering from now and would otherwise suffer in the future." Caitlin reached for it, but Galadriel stopped her. "I wish I had seen you sooner, because by taking this vile you are making a very hard decision, one which is already plagued with consequences, even without your life hanging in the balance." She paused " But now it seems, the choice has been made for you, and should you not take this, you will die." She took the lid off the vile and placed it to Caitlin's lips. She drank it and within seconds of tasting it her body felt like it was warming itself. Caitlin took a deep sigh of relief as she felt the liquid work on her numb fingers and stiff joints. Then she looked to Galadriel, with a questioning gaze, she opened her mouth to speak but Galadriel held up her hand telling her not too.
"We have much to discuss, but now is a time for healing, you should go, go to the springs of lilleo'thee, you will find that when you return, you will be ready to learn of what must be said." She said as Caitlin was helped to her feet and taken out of the grotto.
Legolas accompanied her as they walked along the grass again. She walked slowly at first but felt her mobility return and as they passed under a white twisting archway, she graciously motioned the two elf's who were helping her to leave her to her own means, as she walked on her own. Legolas came up besides her, walking a bit in front of her showing her the way. " I am so pleased you will be alright." He said lifting a branch out of their way as they walked. He continued to walk and then, seeing that she wasn't beside him, he backtracked to where she stood. " Say that again." She said Legolas smiled, his eyes wide, he smiled more brightly, hearing her words, and understanding every syllable. " My heart soars at your recovery." He said, his voice raspy and low, as it is when he is speaking of things dear to him. "Come, the springs are close," he said as they walked again along the grass through trees and branches. They traveled for several minutes through beautiful woods, along a grass pathway, until coming to a clearing, in the center a large natural spring with black stones surrounding it rested with a small waterfall to the left. There were boulders that lay as seats around the pool. Caitlin could see that steam came off the surface of the water, indicating how hot and soothing it was. " The elves have used this spring for thousands of years as a healing tool for wounds. It has also helped many humans with ailments that would otherwise be fetal. It's the water." he said kneeling down to touch it with his hand. "It holds an ancient natural magic, an elixir of the earth." He continued to kneel and looked up at her. " You may find it helpful in many ways." He said. "There are robes and towels to dry yourself with over by the waterfall. And do not be fooled by the seeming absence of privacy, you will not be disturbed while you bathe." He said getting up. He smiled and was prepared to leave her when she spoke up. "Um...Legolas," she said, in an unsure tone of voice. Reaching her hand out to him. He turned to her; she shifted her weight and nervously moved her arms around. He had not seen her like this before, and he was surprised. She had up till now shown as much confidence and courage as the wisest and bravest he had known. She continued, "Legolas, I. um, its hard for me to say this, because you have been so kind to me and I want to show you how capable I am, except for the fact that the situation now draws out a weakness in me and a fear, this one thing that now I cannot do on my own." She said in a serious and somewhat ashamed tone of voice. He came close to her and peered into her eyes, "what is it, if there is anything I may do to help I will." "Legolas, I cannot swim." She said.
A big smile came across his face, "do you want help," he said. "Yes, will you, come into the water with me, help me face my fear." She said. Legolas was surprised at how easily she seemed to be able to express just how difficult this was for her. He knew that humans had always tended to think weakness was something to hide and never confront, much less ask for help. Yet she admitted it freely and asked for his help in her fear. He smiled and nodded in agreement. "It would honor me to be of assistance to you."
The moment was still, as they both slowly began to undress down to there under clothing. Legolas looked away as she undressed, knowing that humans tended to be more discreet when revealing their bodies than elves, he did not want to make this any more uncomfortable for her. "When you are finished undressing, take my hand and I will close my eyes until we lower ourselves into the water." Through the tangle of one of her shirt layers, her expression turned to puzzlement. "Why don't you just keep your eyes open?" She said through the muffled fabric of the shirt, then when she finally removed it and continued with. "It seems kind of silly to keep your eyes closed, how will you see where you're going." He smiled to himself; he should have expected that she would have such a free and comfortable view of herself, given the nature of her spirit. They both took layer after layer off, until Caitlin found herself in underwear and a sports bra. And he, in green boxer type shorts. He turned to her, and she to him. She was beautiful, her body muscular and lean, with tiny spots on her shoulders but everywhere else seemed as white as he, her grace and poise shone in every aspect of her figure. He moved toward her, his muscular figure toned and lean. He stood next to her and for the first time, she could really see just how tall he was in comparison to her. The top of her head just reached his shoulder. She took his hand in her own and they walked to the edge of the pool. He lowered himself in and she leaned over sitting on the edge, she scooted herself in the pool and into his awaiting outstretched arms. The water was warm and soothing just as she had expected, but it also had a relaxing, comforting feel. His hands went under her arms and rested at her back while she wrapped her right arm around his neck, they floated in the water for a few minutes, moving around in silence as he held her "thank you," she said as he supported her in his embrace. She felt the heat of the water, its steam rising up into her lungs, she took a deep breath in, feeling the steam filter its way through her body, "you feel its effects already." said Legolas in observation of her breathing. He swam slowly to the middle of the pool holding them both above water. "Would you feel alright if we went under, it will help the water take effect." He said. She looked nervous; he felt her tense slightly at the prospect. "I will be right here," he said securing his embrace on her. She looked in his eyes. "Trust me, I will be right here with you." He said to her. She had always feared drowning, since she was a child she always had a reoccurring dream that she would die of drowning and that whenever she went under the water, she would die. But now..feeling the security and comfort of his arms within the thing she had feared above, orcs, and even the threat of death in battle. Within her phobia of water, she felt safe. He felt her tension ease and her muscles relax as a smile came across her face. "I have never let anyone help me face this fear before so I hope you know that it means a great deal to me when right now I say, I trust you." She said. They both held their breath and he dunked them both straight under the water. They were under the water for such a brief moment but still Caitlin opened her eyes, seeing his face, as he held her. And then they were above water again.
She laughed in delight, throwing her head and arms back as she felt the accomplishment she had just made. Legolas felt her joy and he joined in her laughter, hugging her "I knew you could do it." He said. He knew how incredibly hard that was for her. His eyes studied her face. And he marveled at her, how amazingly strong she was, in the face of her worst fear she found courage to overcome and triumph. He truly was amazed, in his thousands of years in middle earth, he had never come across anyone, elf or not, who was so real, so genuinely astounded at the world around her, so open. She, all at the same time, accepted and tried as hard as she could to overcome and learn from herself and others through her flaws as well her abilities.
She was strong and courageous and also full of love and compassion. He felt his friendship with her grow in that moment.
He felt her back, and moved his left hand up to her shoulder, where he found another of the spots that were scattered over her back. She noticed as he peered at the mark wonderment in his eyes.
"Do elves not have freckles?" she asked. "Freckles." He said running his hand over the mark again. "No our skin has not but one color." He said as he still looked at her freckle. "Is it something that all humans on your world have?"
"No." she said laughing. "In fact most all on my world find freckles to be rather undesirable, they are considered to be flaws in the perfection of your skin tone."
Legolas looked at her surprised. "And you, what do you think of your freckles?" he asked her. "Well, I find that I do not dislike them, but I don't love them, given the way people from my own world consider them to be so unremarkable." She said with a smile. But he did not smile; he looked at her as if her words were inconceivable to him.
" They are beautiful." he said, still astonished that she did not feel the same way. She looked at him and their eyes met, they stared at each other for a moment, both lost in the others gaze, . "...I love.them." He said. Running his hand over her shoulder once more.
" Kate Lin, in your land, what is it that you do?" he said, she faced him. "You mean a job, well I have, and I guess two things that I consider to be a life's pursuit, I teach yoga and I am a message therapist." She said. He looked at her and she knew he was going to ask her to explain. " As a yoga instructor, I help people become more flexible physically through a series of movement, it also helps people center themselves, for the day to come. In other words it helps them stay focused on whatever they need to focus on. I am also a message therapist, I move the muscles and the body of people to relieve stress, and it helps their body heal itself and gives them a sense of peace that most in my world are too busy to incorporate into their lives, I try to give them at least a moment of that peace."
"So you are a healer, of the souls." He said looking at her. "And your technique with the blade, you showed considerable skill." He said questioningly.
She laughed. "Ha ha, right, my incredible skills are from martial arts training that I have been taking for about five years now." She said still laughing a little.
"I do not jest, you have the tools to become a great fighter, they are just untested, there must be great need for swordsmanship in your world for them to train warriors so toughly." He said still holding her.
"Actually we don't use swords at all in war anymore, but in the past, they were instrumental in the creation and destruction of many countries. Like the battle at Moria, we don't have sword fighting like that as a combat." She said looking up at him.
She saw pain in his eyes, she felt something weighed on his on his mind and she was then regretful that she had brought up where Gandalf had fallen.
He turned away from her, looking into the water, his eyes cast down.
She took his face in her gentle hand, moving his head to face her.
"I know of the trouble in your heart Legolas, I see how it aches in you, and if I could, I would remove it and tell you that Gandalf will be with the fellowship long after the quest has ended, I dought these words will come as any comfort but it would be beyond my nature not to tell you..that your grief does not go unnoticed." She smiled and wrapped both her arms around his neck and hugged him close. Legolas was grateful to have someone to share in his grief. They both stayed in the embrace, and Caitlin felt tears in her eyes. She closed them tightly and held Legolas closer as tears came down, landing on his back. Before releasing her grip on him.
He looked at her for a moment, as if thinking of how to formulate the words before speaking. His eyes showed great feeling and depth to his heart. It was like in his search for words he also had to sift through his emotions to find the one he was feeling. Then his eyes slanted slightly and the warmth in his heart could not but shine through in his face as he looked at her.
"I am grateful to you for your compassion.." He smiled at her. Then silently he lifted his hand from the water and caressed her cheek with his fingers. ".Very...grateful." he said, softly. As The waters steam rose around them, his hand slid back from her face past her ear, running his fingers through her wet hair, allowing them to pass under her jaw line to rest on her neck. Their breathing was the only sound to speak of, as they were lost in each other, their eyes never faltering from the gaze. His face came close to hers. He leaned in and as he did she lifted her hand to his face, touching his cheek, tracing the lines of his jawbone, touching his hair and ear as she buried her hand behind his head through his hair. He tilted his head as their lips came close..
"excuse me," said a voice just on shore.
Caitlin lifted her head to see the figure, as did Legolas, breaking their gaze and the moment they had shared.
"I apologize for the intrusion, but we have received word that your companions have been stopped at the border of Lothlorien, they will not be given passage to our city." Said the elf that bowed and then left the springs.
At this Legolas looked startled and angry. "What." He looked at Caitlin and then back at the spot the elf had been. "What will we do," he said in a frantic tone. "We cannot leave the city without Galadriels permission, and if they do not come to the city.." his voice trailed off. He was worried he didn't know that Haldir would hold them there for a day and night, before Aragorn would convince him to bring them to the city. She thought for a moment and then spoke. " To ease you worries,." she said. "they will be here tomorrow."
Legolas looked at her. "you know this, because of your visions?" he said.
"my knowledge does not come from visions, but I suppose that it is something similar to foresight, so yes."
"thank you for telling me."
He looked at her and then looked down at the water. "we should get out, im certain the water has done all it will do." He said.
"yes," she said as he began swimming with her to the shore. She felt
somewhat sad, but also confused, what had just happened. It was only
for a moment, but in that moment they had felt something in each
other, they had showed the other the vulnerability and, dare she say
it, love that existed between them.
They reached the black rocky shore, and she lifted herself out of the water with her arms. He was right behind her, bringing himself up out of the water. The robe and towel lay not to far away and Caitlin reached her arm over and took them. She stood and dried herself with the towel before wrapping the kimono style robe around her body.
Legolas also took a towel and robe and did the same. Standing a few feet from her. When he was finished he turned to her. "I will leave you to get out of those wet garments." But upon his words Caitlin drew her hands into the sleeves of the robe and within moments brought them out revealing the bra in her hand. Then lifting the robe up to her thighs she pulled the underwear off. Then repositioning the robe she stood tall with a smile on her face. Legolas smiled, "that is certainly something that must come in handy." He said smiling at her unusual skill.
"you know what will happen, then you have great responsibility." He said.
She looked surprised for a moment but then said. "I suppose I do, I never thought about it before, I thought I wouldn't be able to tell you anyway, what with the language barrier and all, but you are right, but then I really don't know what is going to happen, weather I will stay here, or if Galadriel can tell me how I got here or if she will send me home."
At these words Legolas looked up at her, a shocked expression. "Don't you know how you got here?" he said.
"No, I don't, all I can remember it that I was in an accident and then I was falling off a cliff." She said.
"I am sure this conversation will be better understood after you visit Galadriel, and you know more." He said walking up next to her. They walked over and each picked up their cloths.
They continued to walk towards the opening, into the trees, surrounded by light.
Caitlin thought of Frodo and his sorrow as she walked, she knew of how hard this coming night would be as the fellowship rested just out of Lothlorien, she hoped that when they arrived tomorrow they would find rest and gain some sense of peace.
THE NEXT CHAPTER SHOULD BE UP SOON, SEE YA. AIKO ALIMA
Caitlin was slipping in and out of consciousness, her body shivered; she couldn't feel her fingers, or her feet. But she felt arms around her as she was being taken down the winding staircase, across the grass and through some corridors, until she couldn't see anymore of the room that she had been in, down some stairs, where the mirror was. Her eyes opened and she saw she was in the grotto with the mirror; a light shone a white glittering brightness on her face. The light moved and she knew it was Galadriel stood there, beautiful and wise, dressed in white just as she would when she and Frodo would meet at the same spot.
She tried to move, she was lying on the grass, on her side. Galadriel came toward her, kneeling next to her. She passed her hand over Caitlin's body, and whispered in an old elfish language.
Legolas stood nearby, watching with great anticipation. His concern for his companion and friend, was overwhelming. The worst part was the unknown, not knowing if she could be helped or not. Galadriel turned and revealed from her pocket a vile of green liquid. "I am sorry I wish I had seen you sooner, before you became sick." She knelt down on he knees and helped Caitlin lift herself up to a sitting position. "I know you can understand my words." She said. Caitlin nodded in conformation that she could understand.
"Do you know why you are sick?" asked Galadriel. Caitlin shook her head, her fingers still trembling. "You are from another place, another time, and your body like your mind has difficulty adjusting to such a complete difference in atmosphere and culture. Your body has no immunity to diseases from middle earth, and it has never tasted any food that we have." She held the vile up so Caitlin could see it better. "This will acclimate your body to the food, and disease you are suffering from now and would otherwise suffer in the future." Caitlin reached for it, but Galadriel stopped her. "I wish I had seen you sooner, because by taking this vile you are making a very hard decision, one which is already plagued with consequences, even without your life hanging in the balance." She paused " But now it seems, the choice has been made for you, and should you not take this, you will die." She took the lid off the vile and placed it to Caitlin's lips. She drank it and within seconds of tasting it her body felt like it was warming itself. Caitlin took a deep sigh of relief as she felt the liquid work on her numb fingers and stiff joints. Then she looked to Galadriel, with a questioning gaze, she opened her mouth to speak but Galadriel held up her hand telling her not too.
"We have much to discuss, but now is a time for healing, you should go, go to the springs of lilleo'thee, you will find that when you return, you will be ready to learn of what must be said." She said as Caitlin was helped to her feet and taken out of the grotto.
Legolas accompanied her as they walked along the grass again. She walked slowly at first but felt her mobility return and as they passed under a white twisting archway, she graciously motioned the two elf's who were helping her to leave her to her own means, as she walked on her own. Legolas came up besides her, walking a bit in front of her showing her the way. " I am so pleased you will be alright." He said lifting a branch out of their way as they walked. He continued to walk and then, seeing that she wasn't beside him, he backtracked to where she stood. " Say that again." She said Legolas smiled, his eyes wide, he smiled more brightly, hearing her words, and understanding every syllable. " My heart soars at your recovery." He said, his voice raspy and low, as it is when he is speaking of things dear to him. "Come, the springs are close," he said as they walked again along the grass through trees and branches. They traveled for several minutes through beautiful woods, along a grass pathway, until coming to a clearing, in the center a large natural spring with black stones surrounding it rested with a small waterfall to the left. There were boulders that lay as seats around the pool. Caitlin could see that steam came off the surface of the water, indicating how hot and soothing it was. " The elves have used this spring for thousands of years as a healing tool for wounds. It has also helped many humans with ailments that would otherwise be fetal. It's the water." he said kneeling down to touch it with his hand. "It holds an ancient natural magic, an elixir of the earth." He continued to kneel and looked up at her. " You may find it helpful in many ways." He said. "There are robes and towels to dry yourself with over by the waterfall. And do not be fooled by the seeming absence of privacy, you will not be disturbed while you bathe." He said getting up. He smiled and was prepared to leave her when she spoke up. "Um...Legolas," she said, in an unsure tone of voice. Reaching her hand out to him. He turned to her; she shifted her weight and nervously moved her arms around. He had not seen her like this before, and he was surprised. She had up till now shown as much confidence and courage as the wisest and bravest he had known. She continued, "Legolas, I. um, its hard for me to say this, because you have been so kind to me and I want to show you how capable I am, except for the fact that the situation now draws out a weakness in me and a fear, this one thing that now I cannot do on my own." She said in a serious and somewhat ashamed tone of voice. He came close to her and peered into her eyes, "what is it, if there is anything I may do to help I will." "Legolas, I cannot swim." She said.
A big smile came across his face, "do you want help," he said. "Yes, will you, come into the water with me, help me face my fear." She said. Legolas was surprised at how easily she seemed to be able to express just how difficult this was for her. He knew that humans had always tended to think weakness was something to hide and never confront, much less ask for help. Yet she admitted it freely and asked for his help in her fear. He smiled and nodded in agreement. "It would honor me to be of assistance to you."
The moment was still, as they both slowly began to undress down to there under clothing. Legolas looked away as she undressed, knowing that humans tended to be more discreet when revealing their bodies than elves, he did not want to make this any more uncomfortable for her. "When you are finished undressing, take my hand and I will close my eyes until we lower ourselves into the water." Through the tangle of one of her shirt layers, her expression turned to puzzlement. "Why don't you just keep your eyes open?" She said through the muffled fabric of the shirt, then when she finally removed it and continued with. "It seems kind of silly to keep your eyes closed, how will you see where you're going." He smiled to himself; he should have expected that she would have such a free and comfortable view of herself, given the nature of her spirit. They both took layer after layer off, until Caitlin found herself in underwear and a sports bra. And he, in green boxer type shorts. He turned to her, and she to him. She was beautiful, her body muscular and lean, with tiny spots on her shoulders but everywhere else seemed as white as he, her grace and poise shone in every aspect of her figure. He moved toward her, his muscular figure toned and lean. He stood next to her and for the first time, she could really see just how tall he was in comparison to her. The top of her head just reached his shoulder. She took his hand in her own and they walked to the edge of the pool. He lowered himself in and she leaned over sitting on the edge, she scooted herself in the pool and into his awaiting outstretched arms. The water was warm and soothing just as she had expected, but it also had a relaxing, comforting feel. His hands went under her arms and rested at her back while she wrapped her right arm around his neck, they floated in the water for a few minutes, moving around in silence as he held her "thank you," she said as he supported her in his embrace. She felt the heat of the water, its steam rising up into her lungs, she took a deep breath in, feeling the steam filter its way through her body, "you feel its effects already." said Legolas in observation of her breathing. He swam slowly to the middle of the pool holding them both above water. "Would you feel alright if we went under, it will help the water take effect." He said. She looked nervous; he felt her tense slightly at the prospect. "I will be right here," he said securing his embrace on her. She looked in his eyes. "Trust me, I will be right here with you." He said to her. She had always feared drowning, since she was a child she always had a reoccurring dream that she would die of drowning and that whenever she went under the water, she would die. But now..feeling the security and comfort of his arms within the thing she had feared above, orcs, and even the threat of death in battle. Within her phobia of water, she felt safe. He felt her tension ease and her muscles relax as a smile came across her face. "I have never let anyone help me face this fear before so I hope you know that it means a great deal to me when right now I say, I trust you." She said. They both held their breath and he dunked them both straight under the water. They were under the water for such a brief moment but still Caitlin opened her eyes, seeing his face, as he held her. And then they were above water again.
She laughed in delight, throwing her head and arms back as she felt the accomplishment she had just made. Legolas felt her joy and he joined in her laughter, hugging her "I knew you could do it." He said. He knew how incredibly hard that was for her. His eyes studied her face. And he marveled at her, how amazingly strong she was, in the face of her worst fear she found courage to overcome and triumph. He truly was amazed, in his thousands of years in middle earth, he had never come across anyone, elf or not, who was so real, so genuinely astounded at the world around her, so open. She, all at the same time, accepted and tried as hard as she could to overcome and learn from herself and others through her flaws as well her abilities.
She was strong and courageous and also full of love and compassion. He felt his friendship with her grow in that moment.
He felt her back, and moved his left hand up to her shoulder, where he found another of the spots that were scattered over her back. She noticed as he peered at the mark wonderment in his eyes.
"Do elves not have freckles?" she asked. "Freckles." He said running his hand over the mark again. "No our skin has not but one color." He said as he still looked at her freckle. "Is it something that all humans on your world have?"
"No." she said laughing. "In fact most all on my world find freckles to be rather undesirable, they are considered to be flaws in the perfection of your skin tone."
Legolas looked at her surprised. "And you, what do you think of your freckles?" he asked her. "Well, I find that I do not dislike them, but I don't love them, given the way people from my own world consider them to be so unremarkable." She said with a smile. But he did not smile; he looked at her as if her words were inconceivable to him.
" They are beautiful." he said, still astonished that she did not feel the same way. She looked at him and their eyes met, they stared at each other for a moment, both lost in the others gaze, . "...I love.them." He said. Running his hand over her shoulder once more.
" Kate Lin, in your land, what is it that you do?" he said, she faced him. "You mean a job, well I have, and I guess two things that I consider to be a life's pursuit, I teach yoga and I am a message therapist." She said. He looked at her and she knew he was going to ask her to explain. " As a yoga instructor, I help people become more flexible physically through a series of movement, it also helps people center themselves, for the day to come. In other words it helps them stay focused on whatever they need to focus on. I am also a message therapist, I move the muscles and the body of people to relieve stress, and it helps their body heal itself and gives them a sense of peace that most in my world are too busy to incorporate into their lives, I try to give them at least a moment of that peace."
"So you are a healer, of the souls." He said looking at her. "And your technique with the blade, you showed considerable skill." He said questioningly.
She laughed. "Ha ha, right, my incredible skills are from martial arts training that I have been taking for about five years now." She said still laughing a little.
"I do not jest, you have the tools to become a great fighter, they are just untested, there must be great need for swordsmanship in your world for them to train warriors so toughly." He said still holding her.
"Actually we don't use swords at all in war anymore, but in the past, they were instrumental in the creation and destruction of many countries. Like the battle at Moria, we don't have sword fighting like that as a combat." She said looking up at him.
She saw pain in his eyes, she felt something weighed on his on his mind and she was then regretful that she had brought up where Gandalf had fallen.
He turned away from her, looking into the water, his eyes cast down.
She took his face in her gentle hand, moving his head to face her.
"I know of the trouble in your heart Legolas, I see how it aches in you, and if I could, I would remove it and tell you that Gandalf will be with the fellowship long after the quest has ended, I dought these words will come as any comfort but it would be beyond my nature not to tell you..that your grief does not go unnoticed." She smiled and wrapped both her arms around his neck and hugged him close. Legolas was grateful to have someone to share in his grief. They both stayed in the embrace, and Caitlin felt tears in her eyes. She closed them tightly and held Legolas closer as tears came down, landing on his back. Before releasing her grip on him.
He looked at her for a moment, as if thinking of how to formulate the words before speaking. His eyes showed great feeling and depth to his heart. It was like in his search for words he also had to sift through his emotions to find the one he was feeling. Then his eyes slanted slightly and the warmth in his heart could not but shine through in his face as he looked at her.
"I am grateful to you for your compassion.." He smiled at her. Then silently he lifted his hand from the water and caressed her cheek with his fingers. ".Very...grateful." he said, softly. As The waters steam rose around them, his hand slid back from her face past her ear, running his fingers through her wet hair, allowing them to pass under her jaw line to rest on her neck. Their breathing was the only sound to speak of, as they were lost in each other, their eyes never faltering from the gaze. His face came close to hers. He leaned in and as he did she lifted her hand to his face, touching his cheek, tracing the lines of his jawbone, touching his hair and ear as she buried her hand behind his head through his hair. He tilted his head as their lips came close..
"excuse me," said a voice just on shore.
Caitlin lifted her head to see the figure, as did Legolas, breaking their gaze and the moment they had shared.
"I apologize for the intrusion, but we have received word that your companions have been stopped at the border of Lothlorien, they will not be given passage to our city." Said the elf that bowed and then left the springs.
At this Legolas looked startled and angry. "What." He looked at Caitlin and then back at the spot the elf had been. "What will we do," he said in a frantic tone. "We cannot leave the city without Galadriels permission, and if they do not come to the city.." his voice trailed off. He was worried he didn't know that Haldir would hold them there for a day and night, before Aragorn would convince him to bring them to the city. She thought for a moment and then spoke. " To ease you worries,." she said. "they will be here tomorrow."
Legolas looked at her. "you know this, because of your visions?" he said.
"my knowledge does not come from visions, but I suppose that it is something similar to foresight, so yes."
"thank you for telling me."
He looked at her and then looked down at the water. "we should get out, im certain the water has done all it will do." He said.
"yes," she said as he began swimming with her to the shore. She felt
somewhat sad, but also confused, what had just happened. It was only
for a moment, but in that moment they had felt something in each
other, they had showed the other the vulnerability and, dare she say
it, love that existed between them.
They reached the black rocky shore, and she lifted herself out of the water with her arms. He was right behind her, bringing himself up out of the water. The robe and towel lay not to far away and Caitlin reached her arm over and took them. She stood and dried herself with the towel before wrapping the kimono style robe around her body.
Legolas also took a towel and robe and did the same. Standing a few feet from her. When he was finished he turned to her. "I will leave you to get out of those wet garments." But upon his words Caitlin drew her hands into the sleeves of the robe and within moments brought them out revealing the bra in her hand. Then lifting the robe up to her thighs she pulled the underwear off. Then repositioning the robe she stood tall with a smile on her face. Legolas smiled, "that is certainly something that must come in handy." He said smiling at her unusual skill.
"you know what will happen, then you have great responsibility." He said.
She looked surprised for a moment but then said. "I suppose I do, I never thought about it before, I thought I wouldn't be able to tell you anyway, what with the language barrier and all, but you are right, but then I really don't know what is going to happen, weather I will stay here, or if Galadriel can tell me how I got here or if she will send me home."
At these words Legolas looked up at her, a shocked expression. "Don't you know how you got here?" he said.
"No, I don't, all I can remember it that I was in an accident and then I was falling off a cliff." She said.
"I am sure this conversation will be better understood after you visit Galadriel, and you know more." He said walking up next to her. They walked over and each picked up their cloths.
They continued to walk towards the opening, into the trees, surrounded by light.
Caitlin thought of Frodo and his sorrow as she walked, she knew of how hard this coming night would be as the fellowship rested just out of Lothlorien, she hoped that when they arrived tomorrow they would find rest and gain some sense of peace.
THE NEXT CHAPTER SHOULD BE UP SOON, SEE YA. AIKO ALIMA